Freedom of the Seas in Labadee
Freedom of the Seas in Labadee / Royal Caribbean International
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Sabor Modern Mexican
Sabor Modern Mexican / Royal Caribbean International
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H2O Zone
H2O Zone / Royal Caribbean International
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Sports Deck
Sports Deck / Royal Caribbean International
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Ice Rink
Ice Rink / Royal Caribbean International
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Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom
Deluxe Ocean View Stateroom / Royal Caribbean International
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Freedom of the Seas

Our Ship Review
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

Royal Caribbean’s 3,926-guest Freedom of the Seas was the biggest ship in the world for a few years after it launched in 2006. No ship in the cruise line’s fleet holds that title for long, however, and this one was eclipsed by Oasis of the Seas in 2009. But after several refurbishments, Royal Caribbean’s first Freedom-class vessel feels shiny and new and offers many of the bells and whistles for which the cruise brand is known.

Freedom of the Seas, which generally sails from Fort Lauderdale and Miami to the Bahamas and Caribbean, debuted its new “Amplified” look in early 2020, following a $116 million refurbishment that added several exciting new features: a revamped Caribbean-themed pool deck with a colorful Lime and Coconut bar/lounge, the Perfect Storm duo of fast-and-furious waterslides, the Splashaway Bay kiddy aquapark, Playmakers Bar & Arcade, and three new restaurants (Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, and El Loco Fresh).

What We Love

The Bar & Lounge Options: If you love to let loose and enjoy your favorite adult beverages while on vacation, this ship features 10 unique bar and lounge options. For example, you can savor margaritas and piña coladas poolside at The Lime & Coconut, sip mojitos to a Latin beat at Boleros, toss back a pint at Bull & Bear, cheer on your favorite sports team in Playmakers, order your favorite Cabernet in Vintages, or socialize over classic cocktails in the retro-style R Bar.

Sabor Modern Mexican: This upscale Mexican restaurant is among the best of its kind at sea. Look for guacamole prepared tableside and well-executed regional dishes served in an elegant space.

Best Known For

The Ice-Skating Rink: It has been years since Royal Caribbean first launched this feature, but it is as much fun now as ever before. We love the colorful ice dancing performances as well as the opportunities to rent skates and get out on the ice yourself.

Plenty of Pool Deck Fun: Freedom of the Seas has three pool areas, so guests can find their favorite spot to chill or enjoy thrills. Live music gets the party started on the main pool deck, where movies are also shown on the big screen at night. There’s a colorful splash park for kids, while the adults-only Solarium offers a quieter respite for grown-ups — although the large, cantilevered hot tubs can get quite social.

Who It's Best For

Families with Kids: This ship, like others in the line, has plenty of vibrant decor and family-focused activities, from rounds of mini-golf and all-ages line dancing by the pool to glow-in-the-dark laser tag and age-appropriate play and hangout spaces for kids, tweens, and teens.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Pack Some Patience: The large size means that service can be … impersonal. But you don’t book a cabin on a massive ship like this and expect personalized attention, do you?

Sherri Eisenberg
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger